Understanding Matthew 28:16-20 in Simple Words
Let’s take a closer look at Matthew 28:16-20—a powerful moment when Jesus gives his friends a big job to do. These verses are sometimes called “The Great Commission,” and they contain instructions that are meant for everyone who wants to follow Jesus, even today.
What Happened in Matthew 28:16-20?
After Jesus rose from the dead, he met with his closest followers, known as the eleven disciples (Judas was no longer with them), on a mountain in Galilee. This was a special place where Jesus had told them to meet him. He was about to leave, but first, he had some final and important things to say.
What Did Jesus Tell His Disciples?
Jesus told his friends to go out into the world and help others become followers too. He wanted them to share the good news about who he is, what he’d done, and what he taught. He asked them to:
- Go to all nations—everywhere, not just their hometown or their own people.
- Make more disciples—help others start following Jesus too.
- Baptize them—give them a sign of their new life with God.
- Teach them to obey everything Jesus taught—show, by words and actions, how to live God’s way.
What Does “Teaching Them to Obey Everything” Really Mean?
This isn’t just about learning a list of rules. Jesus wants us to show others how to live out love, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion—the things he talked about and demonstrated. It means helping people see what loving God and loving others looks like in everyday life. We do this by:
- Being honest and caring.
- Forgiving people, even when it’s hard.
- Helping those in need.
- Doing good things, not just talking about them.
When we live this way, we teach by example. Our lives become a lesson in what it means to follow Jesus.
Jesus’ Promise: We’re Never Alone
One of the best parts of Jesus’ message is his promise to always be with us—no matter where we go, no matter what happens. Even when life is tough, Jesus is right beside us, giving us help and strength. We don’t have to do any of this alone.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
- We’re invited to share Jesus’ love with everyone, not just a few people.
- We can help others learn about Jesus by how we live and what we say.
- We don’t need to be perfect or know everything—Jesus chooses ordinary people and promises to be with us always.
Key Details
- Context: This happens after Jesus’ resurrection.
- The Eleven: These are Jesus’ closest followers, minus Judas.
- Galilee: The meeting place chosen by Jesus, important in his life and ministry.
- Significance: Here, Jesus gives the disciples their greatest mission—to spread his teachings everywhere.
Final Thoughts
In simple terms, Jesus wants us to follow him, help others do the same, and remember that he is always with us. We’re not asked to do this job alone or perfectly, but to do our best and trust Jesus to help us along the way.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 